Associate Pastor Karen Renner
Pastor Karen Renner has served First Presbyterian Church since September 2001, after serving congregations in Dallas, Texas and Salina, Kansas. She is a graduate of Whitworth University and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and is currently working on her Doctor of Ministry degree from George Fox Evangelical Seminary in the area of Leadership in the Emerging Culture. When Karen is away from FPC and not working on her doctoral dissertation she is a passionate Seattle Mariners baseball fan.
Christian Education Coordinator Lori Wallick
Lori Wallick has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for six years and has been a Presbyterian all her life. She graduated from San Diego State University, earned a California Life Teaching Credential (for grades K – 9) and obtained a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After teaching five years in elementary school, she became a parent participant and music and movement instructor at her children’s cooperative preschool. Following a move to Oregon, she was hired as a racquetball director at an athletic club, volunteered as a high school racquetball coach and taught racquetball at Portland State University. Next she answered God’s call to youth ministry at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. When her daughter and granddaughter moved to McMinnville, she and her husband decided to join them. Subsequently, she became the Health and Wellness Coordinator at the MAC Senior Center. Again answering God’s call to ministry she accepted the Christian Education Coordinator position at First Presbyterian.
Administrative Coordinator Nancy MacDonald
Nancy MacDonald is the Administrative Coordinator, the person you see behind the desk in the office. She has been at FPC sinc 2005. She lives in Portland, is married and has two grown daughters. She enjoys baking, crafts of all kinds, and gardening.
Choir and Music Director David Howard
David (Dave) Howard earned degrees from Simpson University (now of Redding,California), San Francisco State University, doctoral studies in music at the University of Oregon, and a doctorate in music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, He also was awarded the Associate rank in the American Guild of Organists. After serving as organist and/or choir director in eight churches, he came to First Presbyterian Church 24 years ago as organist and, after his colleague, John Bowman, passed away in 2010, was asked to serve as Director of Music. Dave also taught music for over 40 years, the last 33 at George Fox University. He and his wife, Marj, have two married daughters, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Besides music, his favorite things include reading, outdoor activities, bicycling, and fitness workouts.
Praise Team Leader Gene DeWeese
Gene has been married to his wife Sharon for 48 years. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. He has lived in Amity, OR for 34 years and been involved in music and worship ministry for 20 plus years.
